Patrick Goldstein and James Raineyon entertainment and media

Gotcha! Jerry Brown's new campaign ad pays homage to Jon Stewart

October 20, 2010 | 3:52
pm

It's no secret that "The Daily Show" is more than just a comedy show -- it's also having a huge influence on the way the Washington media cover politicians. But who knew, as the 2010 campaign heads into its final weeks, that politicians would so eagerly embrace the show's distinctive form of video archive "gotcha" journalism too?

Just check out this new Jerry Brown for Governor campaign spot that transforms Meg Whitman, his GOP rival, into something very much like a Hollywood horror movie. I guess you'd have to call the spot: "Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Unwanted Sequel."

Photo: Jerry Brown speaking at a Democratic Party rally at San Jose State University earlier this month. Credit: Tony Avelar/Associated Press